I am experiencing a couple of transmission related problems with my 2001 F-150 4X2 4.6L SuperCrew.

Most of the time, my transmission is sluggish to engage either Drive or Reverse when coming out of either Park or Neutral. For example, I select Drive from Park and if feels as though she begins to engage Drive, but does not fully until I start to accelerate. She then slams all the way into Drive. Same scenario coming out of Neutral or going into Reverse. Other times it will drop immediately into gear.

Another issue I have is the truck is now reluctant to downshift when accelerating from a constant speed - such as passing another vehicle. If I am running faster than 50 MPH, she may not downshift at all.

Do these this sound like an internal transmission problem or are there engine controls that provide inputs for how and when the transmission shifts? What should I look for?

Thanks,
Jeff